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[Over Gully]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask given it's a by and large UK centric board, but here goes. I'm moving back home to Melbourne after a 4 and a half year stay in Perth. In the west I've been playing suburban turf (WASTCA) and have enjoyed the challenges of playing on turf decks, all the differences and nuances, whereas I'd been playing on hard wicket/synthetic stuff in Melbourne prior to that. When I move back I still want to play on turf.

Does anyone, or has anyone, played in the Eastern Cricket Association (ECA) in Melb before, either as a local or an overseas import? If so, what is the standard like? I'm nothing special, a pretty solid but not spectacular 2nd XI opening bat, I just wanted to know what the standard was like comparable to other comps such as the Melbourne sub-district comp, or your basic League cricket in the UK. I'm trying to base myself in the inner-east so there are plenty of clubs around the traps. Any feedback would be welcome!

[cricket43]

Hey mate, I live in Melbourne and play in the neighboring comp to the ECA (BHRDCA). While our comp is solid I have heard many things about the ECA many of them being good, they have a wide variety of cricket with turf and synthetic comps and as for the standard the top few turf leagues would be quite similar to sub district cricket.

Sorry i couldn't be to much of a help as I don't really know much about the ECA, do have a few mates who play in it though who i could ask

[Over Gully]

Hey mate, yeah I know of Box Hill Reporter comp, I used to play in the RDCA, a similar hard-wicket comp, both pretty good standards. A mate of mine plays subbies for Mt Waverley and he said a similar thing, top ECA grades are very good. I wouldn't be in any danger of playing 1st Grade though but would be happy enough playing 2s/3s on turf if possible.

[cricket43]

Yeah i've heard of the RDCA, to my knowledge it goes up to G grade on turf so I'm certain you would be able to play 2s or 3s if you went to the right club. Where abouts are you located in Melbourne at the moment though ?

[Over Gully]

I'm on Xmas holidays at the moment in Melbourne, I only got the job offer since I got back so I haven't officially resigned yet but will when I get back west in a few weeks. I grew up in Chirnside Park/Mooroolbark/Lilydale area, so outer-eastern suburbs, but ideally looking at a place in Richmond. The new job will be in Clayton, so anywhere inner-city or south-east of the CBD is my target area.